Hal Tejas Indian Jet

HAL Tejas: A Radiant Marvel in Indian Aeronautics

India's HAL Tejas, or 'Radiance,' stands as a testament to remarkable achievements in aeronautics. Developed through collaborative efforts between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), this single-engine, delta-wing, light multirole fighter was designed explicitly for the Indian Air Force and Navy. The article delves into its rich history, operational milestones, and future developments.

ROLE= Multi-Role Light Fighter

NATIONAL ORIGIN= India

FIRST FLIGHT= 4 January 2001

EMPTY WEIGHT=  6,560 kg (14,462 lb)

GROSS WEIGHT=  9,800 kg (21,605 lb)

GUNS= 1x 23 mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon

ROCKETS= S-8 rocket pods (expected)[270]

MISSILES= Air-to-Air Missiles, Air-to-Surface Missiles, Air Radiation Missiles

 Collaborative Development Efforts:

The HAL Tejas traces its origins to the 1980s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, initiated by the Indian Government to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighters. This collaborative effort between ADA and ARDC aimed at achieving self-reliance in critical systems like the Fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system, pulse-doppler radar, and after-burning turbofan engine.

 Evolution from the LCA Programme

Officially named "Tejas" in 2003, the aircraft has evolved into a pivotal component of India's fleet modernisation initiative. Attaining operational clearance in 2011, the Tejas replaced MiG-21s, marking a significant moment in Indian aviation history. Presently, the Tejas comes in three models - Mark 1, Mark 1A, and a trainer version.

 Indian Air Force Orders

The Indian Air Force has placed substantial orders, including 32 Mark 1s, 73 Mark 1As, and 18 Mark 1 trainer aircraft. Looking ahead, the IAF envisions procuring 324 aircraft across all variants, with the Tejas Mark 2, currently in development, expected to enter series production by 2026.

 Indigenous Content Achievements

As of 2022, the Tejas Mark 1 boasts impressive indigenous content, with 59.7% by value and an outstanding 75.5% by the number of line-replaceable units. The Tejas Mk 1A is set to surpass a 70% indigenous content milestone within the next four years, reinforcing its status as a symbol of India's technological prowess in the aerospace industry.

 The Genesis of the LCA Programme:

The LCA programme, initiated in the early 1980s, aimed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighters, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force since 1963. The "Long Term Re-Equipment Plan 1981" highlighted the need for a new aircraft, anticipating a 40 per cent shortfall in force structure requirements by 1995.

 Dassault-Breguet Collaboration

In 1984, the Government established the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and selected Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the principal contractor. During the project's definition phase, France's Dassault-Breguet Aviation served as a consultant, significantly contributing to the design and system integration of the Tejas.

 CAG Concerns in 2015

In May 2015, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) raised concerns about deficiencies in the Tejas Mark 1 IOC standard aircraft, affecting combat survivability. These issues, including limited combat endurance, were addressed in the subsequent Tejas Mark 1 FOC configuration.

 Tejas Mark 1A Enhancements

The upcoming Tejas Mark 1A will incorporate more composites in manufacturing and reduce supersonic drag with enhanced aerodynamic pylons to overcome shortcomings such as increased weight and reduced speed. Featuring upgrades like an AESA radar and self-protection jammer, the MK1A addresses deficiencies identified by the CAG.

Development Costs Overview:

Regarding development costs, the LCA Programme incurred ₹9,063.96 crore up to March 2020, with additional expenses of ₹1,202 crore in January 2021. The Kaveri engine programme cost ₹2,032 crore. Flyaway costs for various Tejas models ranged from ₹146.2 crore for the IOC Mark 1 in 2014 to ₹309 crore for the export variant in 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. When was the Tejas Mark 1 officially named?

   - The Tejas Mark 1 was officially named "Tejas" in 2003.

2. What are the three models of the Tejas currently in production?

   - The Tejas is produced in three models: Mark 1, Mark 1A, and a trainer version.

 Conclusion:

In conclusion, the HAL Tejas stands as a beacon of success in Indian aeronautics, with a rich history, impressive operational achievements, and a promising future. Its development showcases India's commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance in aerospace. As the Tejas continues to evolve, it solidifies its position as a symbol of India's aerospace prowess.